To prevent, delay or hinder something by taking precautionary or anticipatory measures; to avert.
To obstruct or stop up, as a road; to stop the passage of a highway; to intercept on the road, as goods on the way to market.
To anticipate, to act foreseeingly.
To preclude or bar from happening, render impossible.
To deprive (with of).
Something situated or placed in front.
To delay, dodge, or frustrate (someone), especially by providing useless information or directions.